Analysis: Indigenous and Afro-Venezuelans

Chávez and Sabino Show the Way

tamara — Sat, 09 Mar 2013 13:05:03 +0000

Roland Denis - Aporrea

Compañeros, the greatest libertarian teacher of the Venezuelan people has died, and two days earlier an equally important teacher… Chávez and Sabino show the way.

Conflicts and Conundrums: How the Venezuelan State Must Strike the Balance With its Indigenous People

chris — Thu, 06 Dec 2012 14:50:04 +0000

Stephanie Kennedy

What Venezuela currently faces is a dilemma also known and lived by many other neighbouring Latin countries, wherein the need for progress and development essential to guarantee national sovereignty and economic might is challenged by the equally important endeavour to safeguard the environment, natural resources and the indigenous populations that inhabit the same regions.

African Descendents and Racism in Venezuelan Private Media

tamara — Thu, 29 Mar 2012 00:22:11 +0000

Ciudad Caracas : Interview with Modesto Ruiz

This interview examines the extent and ways that Venezuela is still affected by racism following the publication of a racist cartoon by a private newspaper.

The Racism behind the Discourse of the Oligarchy against Chavez

ewan — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 00:15:17 +0000

Mercedes Chacin – Aporrea

For the sector of society that has it all and no one has taken it from them, the real problem is that a “zambo” [a person of mixed African and native American origin] governs them.

Indigenous Policy in Venezuela: Between Unity and Pluralism

tamara — Wed, 12 Oct 2011 15:51:15 +0000

James Suggett - Venezuelanalysis.com

In celebration of the Day of Indigenous Resistance on October 12th, the Venezuelan government announced numerous initiatives aimed at assisting and empowering indigenous communities. While such initiatives as well as rights guaranteed in the constitution have successfully come to fruition in many indigenous communities, they have faced obstacles in others.

Learning in the Wilds: Venezuela’s First Indigenous University

juan — Tue, 21 Jun 2011 19:57:14 +0000

Frank Jack Daniels - TheStarOnline

Every morning, groups of tribespeople cross a jungle creek from their adobe student homes and wander barefoot through the thick undergrowth inhabited by boa constrictors to reach class at Venezuela’s first indigenous university in Cano Tauca.

Afro-Venezuelans and the Struggle Against Racism

juan — Fri, 29 Apr 2011 22:40:19 +0000

Embassy of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela to the United States

In this Fact Sheet released by the Venezuelan Embassy in the United States, readers are provided details as to the unprecedented progress being made in combating the historical legacy of racism and recognizing the national importance of Venezuela's African heritage.

Interview: Reinaldo Bolivar on the Historical, Cultural, and Political Importance of Africa to Venezuela

juan — Wed, 20 Apr 2011 01:55:33 +0000

ENcontrARTE

Reinaldo Jose Bolivar, Vice-Minister of Foreign Affairs for Africa, discuses concrete ways in which Venezuela is deepening its links to its African “motherland”, links which have gone from almost nothing to something quite significant over the last five years.

Workers Power Book Presented at Venezuelan International Book Fair

admin1 — Fri, 26 Nov 2010 19:05:50 +0000

Steve Warshell and Maggie Trowe

The Spanish-language edition of Malcolm X, Black Liberation, and the Road to Workers Power by Jack Barnes was the subject of a panel discussion here at the sixth annual Venezuela International Book Fair on November 20, the busiest night of the fair.

Venezuelan history first

tamara — Wed, 04 Aug 2010 21:37:22 +0000

Rick Kearns - Indian Country Today

For the first time in Venezuelan history, an indigenous newspaper won a National Journalism Award in 2010. On July 4, the Venezuelan Ministry of Communications awarded Wayuunaiki with a National Journalism Award for layout of its 10th anniversary issue dedicated to “alternative communication with an indigenous essence.”

Venezuela: Land for Yukpa Indians, But No 'Territory'

admin1 — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 12:53:52 +0000

Humberto Márquez - IPS

The Venezuelan government handed land titles to 41,600 hectares to three communities of around 500 Yukpa Indians on the western border with Colombia. However, the question of the demarcation of the broader ancestral territory of the entire ethnic group, made up of around 10,000 people, is still pending.

Venezuela's Bolivarian Revolution and Indigenous People

greg — Fri, 06 Mar 2009 21:41:17 +0000

Julie Webb-Pullman - Green Left Weekly

Most media commentary, for and against the process of change and deep-going transformation that the government of President Hugo Chavez is leading, focuses on Venezuela's cities. However, a fuller picture of the Venezuelan reality goes someway to explaining the depth of Chavez's support.

Will the Bolivarian Revolution End Coal Mining in Venezuela?

greg — Fri, 30 May 2008 00:46:42 +0000

James Suggett - Venezuelanalysis.com

The Wayúu, Yukpa, and Barí indigenous communities who would have been displaced by the coal mining projects in their lands cautiously interpret the Chavez government's suspension of these projects as a temporary sign of relief. But their struggle against coal mining has lasted a quarter of a century and will not conclude until mining concessions are repealed for good.

How Green is the Latin American Left? A Look at Ecuador, Venezuela and Bolivia

greg — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 16:28:16 +0000

Daniel Denvir and Thea Riofrancos - UpsideDownWorld.org

Almost all recent major social conflicts in Ecuador, Venezuela, and Bolivia have revolved around access, control, and ownership of natural resources: oil, natural gas, water, and minerals. These conflicts are centered on two separate, and at times conflicting, popular demands.

It's the Real Thing: Hugo Chávez's Coca

greg — Fri, 08 Feb 2008 18:13:39 +0000

Nikolas Kozloff - CounterPunch

Venezuelan President Hugo Chávez has never lacked a sense of theatricality -- that is for sure. In the midst of the proceedings Chávez turned to his ally, Bolivian President Evo Morales, and remarked "You brought me coca, I want the coca that Evo produces there."

How Chavez Changed Life in the Tribal Territories

jan — Wed, 04 Jul 2007 01:01:59 +0000

Maurice Lemoine - Le Monde Diplomatique

Venezuela used to regard its indigenous people contemptuously, but President Hugo Chávez set up a constitution that respects their wishes and their ownership of land. He promised, and has delivered, some improvements in their daily lives and prospects, but the changes are still slow and hesitant.

Venezuelan Leader Wins Praise For Efforts To Help His Nation's Minorities

jan — Tue, 10 Apr 2007 02:21:37 +0000

Tal Abbady - South Florida Sun-Sentinel

The Bush administration depicts Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez as a leftist troublemaker who wants to follow in Fidel Castro's footsteps. But some black Americans support the Venezuelan leader, first elected in 1998, for his populist efforts to help his nation's minorities.

Black Venezuelans and Black Americans Have Much to Learn from Each Other – and Should

jan — Thu, 15 Feb 2007 14:13:09 +0000

Gregory Kane - BlackAmericaWeb.com

Afro-Venezuelan history and culture are now not only honored in Venezuela, thanks to Chavez, but Afro-Americans now have an opportunity to learn about that history and culture. Members of Eleggua are eager to learn ours.

"If We Have to Die For Our Lands, We Will Die"

jan — Fri, 09 Feb 2007 20:45:22 +0000

Nikolas Kozloff - CounterPunch

On the one hand, Chavez needs political support from indigenous peoples. But he also seeks important hemispheric integration, which could jeopardize this support.

Is There a "Black Vote" in Venezuela?

jan — Tue, 05 Dec 2006 03:15:17 +0000

Vinod Sreeharsha - Slate

Sunday's election is about much more than the white elite versus the dark-skinned masses.

Venezuela’s San Juan Festival: The Drums of Curiepe Ring On

jan — Fri, 30 Jun 2006 01:08:00 +0000

Michael Fox – Venezuelanalysis.com

After almost three centuries, and a constant struggle for tradition and freedom, the drums continue to ring on for one of Venezuela’s most important Afro-Venezuelan celebrations.

North American Indigenous Delegation Examines Venezuelan Health Care

jan — Tue, 07 Mar 2006 22:27:54 +0000

Brenda Norrell - Indian Country Today

An indigenous delegation to Venezuela, inspired by Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez's new indigenous health care initiatives, met with Amazonia's indigenous governor and began discussions for new models of village health care in the jungle.

Chavez Saves "The Fierce People" - The Yanomamö

jan — Fri, 17 Feb 2006 03:27:25 +0000

Les Blough - Axis of Logic

In addition to their "contribution" of "civilized" clothing to the Yanomamö culture, the missionaries brought with them a number of other less benign gifts: disease, guns, tourism and a systematic eradication of their way of life. The overall effects of the missionaries' attempt to convert these people from their way of life and view of the world to their own brand of christianity is a modern tragedy.

Hugo Chávez and the Politics of Race

jan — Sun, 16 Oct 2005 01:04:51 +0000

Nikolas Kozloff - CounterPunch

While Chávez's strategy of appealing to racial minorities in the U.S. is certainly bold, it is hardly surprising given his and Venezuela's history. Chávez support for Venezuela's indigenous and afro-Venezuelan population has inspired not only oppressed minorities within his own country but also blacks living outside Venezuela.

Address to Venezuela’s National Assembly in Honor of Dr. Martin Luther King

jan — Mon, 29 Aug 2005 16:24:20 +0000

Reverend Jesse L. Jackson Sr.

Reverend Jesse Jackson spoke before Venezuela's National Assembly during a special session to honor Dr. Martin Luther King's "I have a dream speech".

Amazonas, Venezuela's Forgotten State, Part II

jan — Tue, 23 Aug 2005 02:49:24 +0000

Jeroen Kuiper – Venezuelanalysis.com

The state of Amazonas in the south of Venezuela is the most unexplored region of the country. Travelling the rivers in Amazonas still has the character of an expedition. This is the second of two parts of Amazonas stories, about a unique water channel, the famous Yanomami people and modern-day politics.

Amazonas: Venezuela’s Forgotten State, part I

jan — Sat, 06 Aug 2005 20:28:39 +0000

Jeroen Kuiper - Venezuelanalysis.com

The state of Amazonas in Venezuela’s south is the most unexplored region of the country. Traveling the rivers in Amazonas still has the character of an expedition. This is the first of two parts of Amazonas stories, about a dozen ethnic groups, the influence of Plan Colombia, the role of missionaries and illegal mining.

Venezuela: Knocking over Dominos in Latin America

jan — Thu, 26 May 2005 23:14:06 +0000

Sarah Wagner — Venezuelanalysis.com

Recent demands by the people of Bolivia for their government to "take the same path as Venezuela" revelas the powerful resonance of the "Bolivarian revolution" throuhout Latin America. As Venezuela depeens this process of social, economic, and political transformation it is increasingly unlikely that the people of Latin America will tolerate their unresponsive governments. It is equally unlikely that the Cold War mentality of Washington will tolerate the threat of a good example.

Teaching Race in Venezuela

jan — Sat, 14 May 2005 02:14:20 +0000

Abigail Elwood – Venezuelanalysis.com

If Venezuela is to present a positive example to the world, it must acknowledge the existence of racism in Venezuela and bring the State and communities together in the classroom to start teaching an anti-racist curriculum, said participants at a recent conference on race in Venezuela.

Venezuelan Women International Women Share Experiences at Solidarity Conference

jan — Sun, 17 Apr 2005 18:02:18 +0000

Sarah Wagner – Venezuelanalysis.com

Women from all over the world met in Caracas to exchange their countries’ experiences and ideas in the fight for gender equality. They affirmed that without peace and solidarity it is impossible to construct a new world in which men and women are truly equal.